2.8 to 3.4
2.8 to 3.4
ok i know the question has been asked and i know im gonna get dogged for asking but can i swap out a 3.4 v6 with my 2.8. i have a 5 speed in my camaro right now and will it directly bolt on? and also what about my computer will i need to get a new one or will my current one work with the 3.4. and last question is it worth it or not?
Cost vs. Gains
Let's go with this first
HOW MUCH YA WILLING TO $$$$PEND AND IN PERSONAL TIME TO RECREATE THIS PACAKGE?
Biggest obstacle is the fuel pump issue.
The 2.8 block has a provision for the mechanical fuel pump used on your ride.
As was in my 1985 Blazer block.
I have spent some effort to install a sano electric fuel pump system.
I am still not done to my full liking.
Gain,
OH MY G0D! WHAT A TREAT, as in all my old stuff bolted on & I went forward.
My cars are two different ones, a carb'd & the MPFI induction system.
Tranny, you'd have to do a new clutch for best results.
Computers
IF you do retain your original vehicle induction & ignition system, your computer has not one problem.
My 1985 Blazer has not one computer for comparison for this answer.
My 1985 Firebird is all computerized and yes, the original 1985 computer is still retained while using the 3.4 powerplant.
Read my tech swap thread.
Get ready to spend money or in your case it may be wiser to sell your ride & buy a V8 ride or maybe even, with your older year, you may be wise to install a V8 engine for more power & cost effectiveness.
PS I do know of a very clean California V6 Firebird for sale!
Let's go with this first
HOW MUCH YA WILLING TO $$$$PEND AND IN PERSONAL TIME TO RECREATE THIS PACAKGE?
Biggest obstacle is the fuel pump issue.
The 2.8 block has a provision for the mechanical fuel pump used on your ride.
As was in my 1985 Blazer block.
I have spent some effort to install a sano electric fuel pump system.
I am still not done to my full liking.
Gain,
OH MY G0D! WHAT A TREAT, as in all my old stuff bolted on & I went forward.
My cars are two different ones, a carb'd & the MPFI induction system.
Tranny, you'd have to do a new clutch for best results.
Computers
IF you do retain your original vehicle induction & ignition system, your computer has not one problem.
My 1985 Blazer has not one computer for comparison for this answer.
My 1985 Firebird is all computerized and yes, the original 1985 computer is still retained while using the 3.4 powerplant.
Read my tech swap thread.
Get ready to spend money or in your case it may be wiser to sell your ride & buy a V8 ride or maybe even, with your older year, you may be wise to install a V8 engine for more power & cost effectiveness.
PS I do know of a very clean California V6 Firebird for sale!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Chico, CA
Car: 89 Firebird, 92 RS
Engine: 2.8L MPFI, 355 TPI
Transmission: t-5, t-5
Axle/Gears: open 3.42, posi 3.42
everything bolts up, and the computer will do fine. the 3.4 is the same engine, just bored and stroked. there is some deal with a fan sensor or something that i dont remember, there's a tech article about it somewhere.
ahh: https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...apboogie.shtml
ahh: https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...apboogie.shtml
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 6
From: Waterford, MI
Car: 1998 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.0L
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
it is an easy swap. it just depends on your experience w/ R&I of engines. i did it and had no problems. i know of only a half a dozen at most that have done a swap w/ a manual trans but its a cake walk, if you know what youre doing. were here to help if and when you need it.
use the 3.4 flywheel and the 2.8 clutch and pressure plate. do a search and it should answer pretty much everything you need to know.
use the 3.4 flywheel and the 2.8 clutch and pressure plate. do a search and it should answer pretty much everything you need to know.
If you already have an MPFI 2.8, then the blocks are absolutely identical.
What you'll want from the 3.4 is the block, the heads, and the flywheel or flexplate.
You'll then want to re-use EVERYTHING from your 2.8 (or replace with new, but order them as if it was a 2.8).
Fuel pressure should stay the same, and everything else should stay the same.
What you WILL want to do however is to get a set of the 17lb "pintle style" fuel injectors from Accel.
Other than that, everything WILL bolt up like stock.
You can expect about 30 additional horsepower over what you already have. It doesn't really seem like much, but that's if you keep it 100% stock. You can always go with a light cam upgrade like the H260 CompCam, or the Crane Cam 2030.
I'd also recommend 1.52:1 Roller Rockers, Cloye's True Roller timing chain and gears, and a GOOD set of pistons, preferably a set of light weight hypereutectic with the anti-friction pads on the sides. Plus a set of chrome molybdenum rings.
You can also shamfuer your oil passages, go with a slightly higher volume (not necessarily higher flow... like a Mellings performance oil pump)... and a REALLY GOOD port / polish job, and a serious gasket-matching of the intake pieces. I'd also recommend boring out your throttle body.
Do all of that, and you can expect about 190-200hp with the 3.4 in your car. It's been done before.. plenty of times.
You'll want to get the block from the 93-95 Camaro / Firebird V6.
What you'll want from the 3.4 is the block, the heads, and the flywheel or flexplate.
You'll then want to re-use EVERYTHING from your 2.8 (or replace with new, but order them as if it was a 2.8).
Fuel pressure should stay the same, and everything else should stay the same.
What you WILL want to do however is to get a set of the 17lb "pintle style" fuel injectors from Accel.
Other than that, everything WILL bolt up like stock.
You can expect about 30 additional horsepower over what you already have. It doesn't really seem like much, but that's if you keep it 100% stock. You can always go with a light cam upgrade like the H260 CompCam, or the Crane Cam 2030.
I'd also recommend 1.52:1 Roller Rockers, Cloye's True Roller timing chain and gears, and a GOOD set of pistons, preferably a set of light weight hypereutectic with the anti-friction pads on the sides. Plus a set of chrome molybdenum rings.
You can also shamfuer your oil passages, go with a slightly higher volume (not necessarily higher flow... like a Mellings performance oil pump)... and a REALLY GOOD port / polish job, and a serious gasket-matching of the intake pieces. I'd also recommend boring out your throttle body.
Do all of that, and you can expect about 190-200hp with the 3.4 in your car. It's been done before.. plenty of times.
You'll want to get the block from the 93-95 Camaro / Firebird V6.
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Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 6
From: Waterford, MI
Car: 1998 Camaro Z28
Engine: 6.0L
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73
yes its the same as a 2.8 swap. only difference is the EGR that i can think of right now. but its like swapping a 3.1 to 3.1
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: cali
Car: 1988 Pontiac formula Firebird
Engine: 5.0 h.o.
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.55 10 bolt
looking for a 3.4 long block my 3.1 just died so im upgradeing can some one help me out please. i got a little cash can u see hwat u can do =)
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ, USA
Car: '99 Trans Am, '86 Camaro
Engine: LS1, Scrap
Transmission: T56, T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Stock ZT, 3.42 Open
3.1 -> 3.4 it is *ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL* that you use the 3.4 fuel injectors in place of the 3.1's injectors. They're 2pph larger and compensate for the increased air the engine is consuming since speed density cars don't directly measure airflow... otherwise, everything else swaps over no problem.
Am I the only one who noticed the guys car is a 1983 Camaro?
Call me, I got several 3.4s
One is a 50,000 mile motor at $900
Other 3.4s are more milage & less costly.
The guy is in Downtown Los Angeles.
Call me, I got several 3.4s
One is a 50,000 mile motor at $900
Other 3.4s are more milage & less costly.
The guy is in Downtown Los Angeles.
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